In this day and age, with all of the balms and serums and masks, hair care can get a little overwhelming. Especially if you're on a budget. The truth is, there's plenty you can do to keep your hair healthy without breaking the bank.

1. Air-drying is your best friend. I'm aware that every gal has a whole different hair texture to deal with, but hear me out. Regular blow-drying damages your hair a fair amount, which does nothing for improving the texture. You may be surprised at how much you love your natural hair texture if you really give it a chance. Another trick you can try is letting your hair air-dry for as long as you can and then smoothing it out with the blow-dryer.

2. But shampoo is more like a frenemy. Don't get me wrong, I am firm in my fanhood for good personal hygiene. I like to shower regularly and I do wash my hair at least twice a week. But washing your hair every day can generally be avoided. Shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils and dries it out. It also zaps hair color, which means coloring more often, which means—you guessed it—DAMAGE.

3. Try a vinegar rinse. I was pretty skeptical about this little gem when it first came across my pinboards. Some of those DIYs are suspect at best. I've never tested it, but I'm willing to bet that it's not actually a good idea to remove my blackheads with gasoline and gypsy tears. Nevertheless after receiving a vote of approval from a real person, I decided to give vinegar a go. After shampoo and conditioner, I poured a glass of apple cider vinegar over my hair then rinsed it out. When it dried, not only did it not smell like a salad, but it also had a shine to it and a softness that pretty much knocked my socks off.

4. Easy on the hot tools. Think of your flatiron as a little torture chamber for your hair. It's not that you can't ever use it, but it would probably be kind if you didn't put your hair through pain like that every day. When you really have to, though, go with the lowest heat setting possible and don't hold it on the hair or run it through any more than necessary.

5. Heavy on the coconut oil...or olive oil...or whichever oil you happen to have on hand.
Whichever one you use, they all work wonders as deep, moisturizing conditioners, and at least one of them can be found in most kitchens. I like to work a few tablespoons into my hair starting at the ends and moving up the shaft. Then I braid it and let it soak in for an hour or more before washing it out. Afterwards my hair feels soft and silky.